History

Originally a small fishing settlement, Dubai was taken over in about 1830 by a branch of the Bani Yas tribe from the Liwa oasis led by the Maktoum family who still rule the emirate today.

Traditional activities included herding sheep and goats, cultivating dates, fishing and pearling, but the inhabitants built up trade too. By the turn of the century, Dubai was reputed to have the largest souks on the Gulf coast, with 350 shops in the Deira district alone.

Commercial success allied to the liberal attitudes of Dubai's rulers, made the emirate attractive to traders from India and Iran, who began to settle in the growing town. But, while trade developed, Dubai remained politically a protectorate of Britain as part of the Trucial States extending along the northern coast of the Arabian peninsula.

On the British withdrawal in 1971, Dubai came together with Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah and (in 1972) Ras Al Khaimah to create the federation of the United Arab Emirates.

This was shortly after the discovery of oil in 1966, which was soon to transform the emirate and its way of life. Dubai's first oil exports in 1969 were followed by a period of rapid development that laid the foundations for today's modern society. Much of the credit for this development can be traced to the vision of the late Ruler, HH Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who ensured that Dubai's oil revenues, despite being relatively modest by the standards of the region, were deployed to maximum effect.

His work has been continued by the present Ruler, HH Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and his brothers, Their Highnesses Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance and Industry, and General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defence. The result is that Dubai is constantly building up its infrastructure of transport facilities, schools, hospitals, tourism developments and other amenities of an advanced society.


Climate

The UAE has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Rainfall is infrequent and irregular. Falling mainly in winter, it amounts to some 13 centimetres a year.

Temperatures range from a low of about 10 degrees Celsius to a high of 48 degrees Celsius. The mean daily maximum is 24 degrees in January rising to 41 degrees in July.


Languages

The official language is Arabic. English is widely understood and ranks alongside Arabic as the language of commerce.

Dubai is a place where east meets west where there is guaranteed sunshine throughout the year. Dubai combines western modern facilities and infrastructure, fused with eastern hospitality.

Stunning beaches and clear blue seas on the gulf coast, gives sun worshippers and water sports an ideal destination. Deep-sea fishing, snorkelling, yachting, and, speed boating are just some of the activities to wet your appetite.

It is the most liberal of Middle Eastern countries with an ever increasing ex pat population due to being the safest country in the region. English is widely spoken with only 17% indigenous population. With over 1 million people living in Dubai from all corners of the world it is a fast moving and exciting place with increasing amount of leisure activities and places to visit.

Dubai is an innovative place for business and leisure with new ingenious developments like Dubai Sports City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City ever increasing. As a tax-free country no VAT or taxes are liable to businesses and residents making it an ideal place to work.

World-class sporting events take place from Dubai Golf Open to Power Boat Racing to world's richest horse race and the launch of a new F1 Motor racing circuit makes Dubai an exhilarating sporting destination.

Dubai is the shopping capital of the East with Malls packed with international tax-free brands in clothes, watches. Gold Souks with streets full of jewelery makes Dubai known as the city of gold. Shopping malls like the Burjman Centre, City Centre and The Mall of the Emirates, make Dubai a haven for shoppers.

Eating out in Dubai for international cuisine is a must for food lovers with high quality restaurants from Lebanese, Indian, Chinese, Japanese and global brands like Pizza Hut, McDonalds, Hard Rock Cafe with alcohol available in most restaurants and hotels.

His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Crown Prince of Dubai's vision is to provide the best the world has to offer. In the pursuit of excellence the Government has always looked upon the private sector as full partners.

Over 120 shipping lines and 100 airlines connect to more than 140 global destinations. The award winning Emirates airlines is ever expanding into new destinations.

Multi-national companies increasingly see Dubai as the obvious choice for establishing operations in the Region. Proximity to the Indian subcontinent also not only gives access to a market of over 1 billion people but the ability to benefit from an increasingly talented and competitive labour supply.

The pursuit of excellence has resulted in one of the best infrastructure facilities in the world. State of the art telecommunications, reliable power, modern schools and healthcare are all attracting an increasingly multi-cultural and highly trained workforce. The Government projects a doubling of population by the year 2010. Luxurious living, the finest cuisine and world class shopping are now the hallmarks of Dubai enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

• No taxes on income and capital gains
• Freehold title & ownership
• Simplified Purchase, Ownership and Sale Experience
• Residence Visas arranged for purchasers and family
• No EU reporting of income or investments
• Outstanding modern facilities
• Served by one of the worlds best airports, with over 100 airlines connecting to over 140 destinations
• Stable Government committed to the prosperity of the Emirate
• Beautiful pristine beaches overlooking the Palm Islands
• The fastest growing leisure & sporting destination in the World
• Unbeatable tax free shopping
• Modern banking and e-business facilities
• Regional free zones, media and internet hubs